We are often blind to our own environment because of our assumptions, framed by media, insular thinking and our own prejudices. Smart City Consulting's blog – named one of the most intriguing in the U.S. by Pew Partnership for Civic Change – hopes to show how Memphis really is and could be through alternative questions, fresh approaches and new ideas. We hope to open your eyes - and your ears - to a new way of thinking about Memphis. Send ideas and emails to tjones@smartcityconsulting.com.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Our Region: Built To Last?

Here's the winner The Congress for New Urbanism contest. This short film explores the connection between New Urbanism and environmental issues, all of which is especially pertinent to Memphis and our region. Click here for film.

I understand the goal of "New Urbanism" and I DO think that Memphis has way too much sprawl, but the culture in the South (unlike the Northeast)is such that people want space. Most people still have the (American) dream of living in a single family home with a spacious yard surrounding it. I don't see that changing for a long time

Whatever people want that in the end "doesn't workout" is called a mistake and when included in plans is called the "fatal flaw", that kills the futures of those involved in the outcome of the plan. People may want space, but, in the end, it may not serve them.